15 Things You Need to Know About Buying a Snow Blower
Choosing the right snow blower can be a daunting task. You’ll see a huge selection of single, two and three stage models in varying widths and with a dizzying array of features. If you’ve never purchased a snow blower or haven’t purchased one in a long time, you’ll be a “blown away” by the blizzard of new features. The newer models offer high-end features like push button power steering that turns the machine around on a dime, heated handgrips that warm your fingers, airless tires that never go flat, and push button chute rotation.
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What is a single-stage snow blower?
The auger has a rubber leading edge that helps propel the machine slightly as it scoops snow off the ground. But it’s not a true self-propelled mechanism. If your drive or walk is at a steep grade, chose a two- or three-stage machine instead.
Note: All new gas-powered snow blowers have 4-cycle engines, so you don’t have to mix oil and gas. But you do have to change the oil.
Photo: Courtesy of The Toro Company
What is a two-stage snow blower?
What is a three-stage snow blower?
Note: All snow blowers have a drive belt that wears out over time. Two- and three- stage snow blowers have several belts. It’s important to know how to change a snow blower belt.
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Driveway construction and slope are critical factors for a snow blower
The average snowfall depth and the type of snow you get are the next factors to consider
Power steering saves your back and makes the job easier
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Auto chute rotation and chute pitch controls speed up the job
Photo: Courtesy of The Toro Company
Plastic chutes are better than steel
Headlights really help
It’s winter. So it’s dark when you leave for work and dark when you get home. Whether you clear snow in the early morning hours or after dinner, you’ll be doing it in the dark. Headlights help you see and clear obstacles before they jam the machine. They also allow you to clear snow at all hours.
Photo: Courtesy of Cub Cadet
Airless tires are hassle free and keep the snowblower driving straight
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Electric start saves your shoulders and back
Electric snow blowers work great for small areas
Photo: Courtesy of SnowJoe
Battery-powered snow blowers are gaining ground
Photo: Courtesy of Snow Joe